| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane 14:41 - Jan 23 with 916 views | durham_exile |
“Can we play you every week” sang the U’s faithful in the second half, but in truth the U’s would have beaten any League Two side yesterday, such was their dominance and brilliance.
More of this to come but first the day itself. I set off from Durham with both sons in the car just after 12 noon. Weather was chilly but dry and with some sunshine. M6 and M61 were fairly light until we approached the Manchester ring road, another Manchester based team were playing about 4 miles away and the traffic was heavy which caused a slight delay. However, when we headed towards Salford as opposed to Salford Quays, the traffic was might lighter.
Arriving at Moor Lane, the car parking is reliant solely on street parking, but anywhere but those streets where restrictions apply on match days. We walked from the car and arrived at the ground about 2.30pm.
I managed to get a programme (not a downloadable version but the real McCoy). The first thing I noticed was that we had obviously travelled through time because the date was shown as 22.2.22.
We will be close to survival by then I reckon!
We settled for some pre match refreshment. The meat and potato pies were hot and contained a decent filling. The cheeseburger was tasty enough from Bab’s Burgers and the teas were hot and acceptable.
Settling into our seats in the second row just in from the touchline and virtually in line with the six-yard box we had a good view of the proceedings. A sprinkler positioned right by the corner flag sprayed some of the faithful behind the goal but not Noah who stood half way up the terracing.
Conditions in the stadium were much better than on my previous visit. The pitch was good and weather fine and dry with mainly overhead clouds and about 7 degrees Celsius.
The faithful had a number of home-made banners encouraging RC and Co to go. A number chanted Cowling is a c. Generally, however this was generally a good-natured protest and the support for the team was unwavering. 197 was a great turnout. Sadly, I didn’t see Mr and Mrs Witham but I know that they were there to witness a great occasion.
I was intrigued by the team that WB, JD and DH had picked:
George
Tchamadeu Chambers (capt) Dallison Kenlock
Skuse Huws
Hannant Wiredu Judge
Sears
Subs
Gerken Smith Coxe Edwards Chilvers Andrews Nouble
Shamal George received a rapturous reception from the faithful. This was also the first time that I had seen Myles Kenlock, Tom Dallison and Emyr Huws play.
Matt Smith recently signed from Millwall led the line for Gary Bowyer’s Ammies.
The signature tune for Salford is Dirty Old Town by the Pogues. A somewhat mournful but emotive ditty which was written especially for Salford City and the club has made it their own. Can we please bring back the Post Horn Gallop at the JSCS.
The home supporters were quiet and reflective. Perhaps thinking that after their team had won at Port Vale mid-week, they would simply turn up to defeat the Colchester strugglers.
Now I didn't see them but reports were that Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Steve Bruce were all sitting in the stand. It would be interesting to get their views on the fare as served up.
Colchester were clearly fired up and took the game to Salford. Cole Skuse struck a sublime shot on 3 minutes which appeared to be saved by Tom King in the Salford goal but from the highlights it was clear that it hit the post.
Early doors it was all Colchester and they attacked down both flanks. Tchamadeu and Kenlock got forward at every opportunity and Skuse and Wiredu controlled the midfield. On 25 minutes Skuse was injured and it was a facial injury which caused him to leave the field to be replaced by Noah Chilvers. However, this change did not disrupt the Colchester direct play at all and they continued to dominate proceedings.
Sears was played through, but King made a decent save.
Then a sublime free kick from Judge was met by Chambers who looped his header beyond King and it was 1-0 on 30 minutes. The dominance had been rewarded by a goal and more was to follow. Judge was playing some superb dead ball kicks and from our next corner Chambers rose highest and his header was parried by King into Kenlock who tapped in on the goal line for his first ever senior goal. Two nil to the Super U’s on 33 minutes.
Salford were stunned but in truth they could have no complaints. A third goal before half time would not have flattered the U’s.
I sat and posted a brief half time note on the U’sual. Noah came over and stated that it was clear the team had been told to get the ball forward at the earliest opportunity. This tactic had worked splendidly because it gave Sears plenty of chance to run onto through balls. Whilst delighted I think we were both of the opinion “What’s going on”.
The last time that I saw Colchester play this well was at Barrow way back in September.
I tried a cheeseburger at half time and the chips weren’t bad either from Bab’s Burgers. Well, it was comfort eating!
Second half Bowyer made two subs, but it changed nothing. Colchester continued to dominate and weathered a ten-minute storm when Salford did get some possession.
The excellent Judge was replaced on 71 minutes by Corie Andrews. He took over the centre forward position from Sears who became the number 10.
Salford were beginning to push up in desperation to score and gaps were appearing in their defence. Jordan Turnbull who had correctly been booked in the first half was lucky to stay on the pitch after another robust challenge.
Colchester were of course attacking the end populated by the faithful and the noise reached crescendo proportions as they danced and sang throughout the second half.
As the ball was cleared on 82 minutes Sears picked it up and went on a mazy run releasing the ball for Andrews who struck the sweetest left footed shot passed King for 3-0. Cue wild celebrations and a massed exodus of the Ammies supporters.
Andrews appeared to pick up a knock as he scored and was replaced on 87 minutes by Big Frank. Now Salford were leaving gaps as they tried to score a consolation goal. This only enabled the U’s to fashion further chances. Big Frank was being willed on to score by the faithful and he got a great chance inside the box, but could only hit the keeper. A fourth would have reflected the total dominance but I would always take 3-0 away from home. The referee added 5 extra minutes, but we couldn’t force the fourth goal.
At the end the celebration were loud and proud. The players and WB came over and rightly received the applause from the faithful.
Now we all know that one swallow does not make a summer, but the application, commitment and resolve demonstrated by the players suggests that the ability is there to avoid the drop and to gain sufficient points to not only survive but to finish within the top ten.
Barrow 25 26
COL U 25 25
Scunny 26 19
Oldham 25 18
21 games to play and 25 points would ensure safety but 48 would suggest a top seven place. Ridiculous perhaps, but not impossible.
Yesterday there was obviously a new manager bounce, but the players played as a team and considering new additions had only three days to fit in it bodes well for the rest of the season.
Luke Chambers was imperious yesterday. I liked Dallison and Kenlock they added a new dimension to the left side of defence and Kenlock pushed forward with some confidence. Huws was a calming influence in the middle of the park and despite his injury Cole Skuse looked impressive again. Alan Judge delivered some wicked corners and if his finishing would only improve, he would score a goal a game.
We must keep Brendan Wiredu, especially if we are to push up the league this season. Luke Hannant played his best game so far for the U’s on the left side of midfield. But the stand out player for me was Freddie Sears. His fitness is not in question and the two or three lung bursting runs that he made second half were superb.
I do feel sorry for Big Frank, but I wonder if he has run his course at Colchester, the chance late on to score was very presentable and I wonder if we will see him in a Col U shirt for much longer. It has to be said because if funds are available to bring in Maxime Biamou, then he would be a real asset for the club.
I saw Noah as he was leaving the ground and whilst he bemoaned the fact that we had scored a third (he had 2-0 Colchester) whilst I had 3-1 Colchester, in truth we were ecstatic that the U’s had kept a clean sheet and scored three time without reply.
Indeed, the first time that we had scored three times Away since Barrow in the league and apart from the 4-0 FA Cup victory at Sudbury. our best league win all season.
Walking back to the car the vast majority of home supporters had long since left but a couple who were just getting into their car said to me “Bet you didn’t see that coming today”. The thing was I really believed that we could win the game, but I didn’t envisage such dominance.
Of course, it means nothing unless we can carry on the good form against Swindon, Rochdale et al. Starting to make the JSCS seem like a fortress must be the next stage in our recovery.
The journey home was a good one and we stopped off in Preston for some food enroute.
21 games to garner sufficient points, you bet we can do it.
Up the U’s
 [Post edited 23 Jan 2022 17:25]
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 17:15 - Jan 23 with 839 views | gerry_us |
How much did you eat yesterday Peter?
Luckily, cheering the U's on would have burnt off a few calories.
Great report, good reading. |  | | |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 17:28 - Jan 23 with 827 views | durham_exile |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 17:15 - Jan 23 by gerry_us |
How much did you eat yesterday Peter?
Luckily, cheering the U's on would have burnt off a few calories.
Great report, good reading. |
Gerry definitely more than I would normally have eaten but I did burn off calories with the goal celebrations!
i must admit that the match was so enjoyable that you almost forget about the earlier disappointments.
Will you be going to the Mansfield and Scunny games, essential viewing I would suggest!
Up the U's | |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 18:02 - Jan 23 with 820 views | gerry_us |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 17:28 - Jan 23 by durham_exile |
Gerry definitely more than I would normally have eaten but I did burn off calories with the goal celebrations!
i must admit that the match was so enjoyable that you almost forget about the earlier disappointments.
Will you be going to the Mansfield and Scunny games, essential viewing I would suggest!
Up the U's |
Mansfield and Scunny penciled in. | | | |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 19:13 - Jan 23 with 773 views | burnsieespana |
Thanks Durham for your report. Made me feel I was at the match.
How fabulous it would be if we now went on a run of wins!
Good news for Swindon game as Ipswich recalled the lad who has scored 11 for them this season. [Post edited 23 Jan 2022 19:15]
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 19:32 - Jan 23 with 755 views | Witham |
Mr and Mrs Witham were there to witness a great display. As it was my birthday it was a real present. Thanks to Matt for his halftime impromptu Happy Birthday.
And if anyone moans about lack of public transport to our ground try walking back to the metro from Salford !! |  | | |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 19:49 - Jan 23 with 749 views | durham_exile |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 19:32 - Jan 23 by Witham |
Mr and Mrs Witham were there to witness a great display. As it was my birthday it was a real present. Thanks to Matt for his halftime impromptu Happy Birthday.
And if anyone moans about lack of public transport to our ground try walking back to the metro from Salford !! |
Witham Many Happy Returns.
Just as with Colchester Salford used to have a park and ride. The starting venue was a derelict factory. It is still there but the park n ride no longer operates. Such facilities are expensive and hence have been largely discontinued.
I saw that the walk to the metro was a lengthy one.
Still the birthday present of three points would have softened the disappointment.
Up the U's | |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 07:18 - Jan 24 with 703 views | noah4x4 |
The walk to the nearest pub was even longer, so we opted to drink in the ground where only canned Guinness, Boddingtons or Cider was available served in an uncovered concourse alongside portable toilets where one paddled in pee. They couldn't even find a chair for a disabled member of our group - shame on you Salford. Whilst Boddingtons is marginally better than Green King IPA, I was surprised to find a club with a welcome and ambience worse than at Cuckoo Farm, where somebody is profiting from our fans bar being used for a vaccination centre. Owners have evidently lost touch with fans needs. |  | | |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 09:12 - Jan 24 with 681 views | durham_exile |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 07:18 - Jan 24 by noah4x4 |
The walk to the nearest pub was even longer, so we opted to drink in the ground where only canned Guinness, Boddingtons or Cider was available served in an uncovered concourse alongside portable toilets where one paddled in pee. They couldn't even find a chair for a disabled member of our group - shame on you Salford. Whilst Boddingtons is marginally better than Green King IPA, I was surprised to find a club with a welcome and ambience worse than at Cuckoo Farm, where somebody is profiting from our fans bar being used for a vaccination centre. Owners have evidently lost touch with fans needs. |
Noah I deliberately didn't subject boarders to the shocking conditions in the porta loo ISO containers. Suffice to say it took me back to the dark days at Bootham Crescent York where the open air toilets ran with a mix of urine and water covering the duck boards.
I do agree that chairs and tables could have been supplied at the area by Bab's burgers.
In the good old days at the JSCS the outside fans area with seating, tabling and a big screen was luxury by comparison.
I suppose COVID restrictions can be partly blamed for a reduction in standards for the long suffering supporters.
At least it was dry on Saturday, Salford in the rain would have been less edifying.
We do have a very good record at Moor Lane albeit only after a few appearances. Compare that with the wretched record at Gander Green Lane.
Anyway I do feel remarkably up beat about our survival chances now and look forward to three more points this weekend against Swindon Town.
Up the U's | |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 11:00 - Jan 24 with 656 views | Witham |
It was at Salford last time where I lodged a complaint about the treatment of one of our disabled fans. Did they reply to my email - what do you reckon !
At Rochdale this season he was offered every possible assistance. | | | |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 11:17 - Jan 24 with 650 views | durham_exile |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 11:00 - Jan 24 by Witham |
It was at Salford last time where I lodged a complaint about the treatment of one of our disabled fans. Did they reply to my email - what do you reckon !
At Rochdale this season he was offered every possible assistance. |
I am sure that we all have stories good and bad about Stewarding at various grounds.
This season the best stewarding that I have seen was at Bradford. Unobtrusive throughout and very polite and civilised.
Because of the problems with street parking my son and I had to park a distance from the ground. This meant that we arrived virtually at kick off. I had ordered the tickets for collection at the stadium.
Not only did the steward take us to the collections office on the far side of the ground but also he waited until the ticketing officer had come to the door unlocked it and passed me the envelope containing the tickets. He then escorted us back to the Away fans entrance. Over and above from that gentleman.
I normally try to thank stewards before and after the game, particularly as at Bradford where they have been especially helpful.
It is a while now but the last time I was at Bramall Lane the stewards were shocking and I had an argument with one overly officious woman who was the epitome of jobsworth.
In fairness I thought stewarding was ok at Salford on Saturday.
I suppose it is only through publicising events that the supporters can make their points.
Of course if some supporters overstep the mark then they can expect to receive short shrift.
Up the U's | |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 16:31 - Jan 24 with 605 views | Moor_Pinot |
Thank you Durham.
Hugely appreciated and gives one a huge lift.
Another seven wins and we'll be safe. Personally I'd be pleased for Wayne altho one appreciates that he's not keen on the job.
I'd add the Kelty Hearts manager to the earlier listing of potentials which we know we won't be allowed to have! We need a 'winner' & he's another one like some of the others mentioned. But for now we'll done the Wayne team! |  |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 18:27 - Jan 24 with 572 views | durham_exile |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 16:31 - Jan 24 by Moor_Pinot |
Thank you Durham.
Hugely appreciated and gives one a huge lift.
Another seven wins and we'll be safe. Personally I'd be pleased for Wayne altho one appreciates that he's not keen on the job.
I'd add the Kelty Hearts manager to the earlier listing of potentials which we know we won't be allowed to have! We need a 'winner' & he's another one like some of the others mentioned. But for now we'll done the Wayne team! |
Pinault - the U's were a different team. Definitely the best performance since the Barrow Away game.
Team spirit
Commitment
Effort
Thoroughly deserved victory.
The football was really enjoyable too.
I will have to look up the Kelty Hearts manager, know nothing about him.
I would still like to see Neil Harris on a permanent basis but appreciate that he would need persuading to come.
Still Up the U's | |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 20:29 - Jan 24 with 545 views | wessex_exile |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 11:17 - Jan 24 by durham_exile |
I am sure that we all have stories good and bad about Stewarding at various grounds.
This season the best stewarding that I have seen was at Bradford. Unobtrusive throughout and very polite and civilised.
Because of the problems with street parking my son and I had to park a distance from the ground. This meant that we arrived virtually at kick off. I had ordered the tickets for collection at the stadium.
Not only did the steward take us to the collections office on the far side of the ground but also he waited until the ticketing officer had come to the door unlocked it and passed me the envelope containing the tickets. He then escorted us back to the Away fans entrance. Over and above from that gentleman.
I normally try to thank stewards before and after the game, particularly as at Bradford where they have been especially helpful.
It is a while now but the last time I was at Bramall Lane the stewards were shocking and I had an argument with one overly officious woman who was the epitome of jobsworth.
In fairness I thought stewarding was ok at Salford on Saturday.
I suppose it is only through publicising events that the supporters can make their points.
Of course if some supporters overstep the mark then they can expect to receive short shrift.
Up the U's |
These days I rarely encounter downright poor stewarding on my travels. Okay, when asking where to go for away tickets at Crawley this season, the steward who directed me all the way down to the ticket booth he must have known was closed was a bit of an a'hole, but the ladies in the actual ticket office more than made up for that with their efficient and welcoming demeanor.
Back in the day, any stewards (and it was pretty much anywhere) who took the faithful's desire to stand and sing our songs as a direct challenge to their authority were the epitome of 'fragile masculinity', but none more so than the berks in our inaugural season at Cuckoo Farm. In that delicate transitional moment as we tried to bond with our new home, they did more damage to the club than a hat-full of inept managers and incompetent footballers could do. |  |
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 21:27 - Jan 24 with 527 views | burnsieespana |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 16:31 - Jan 24 by Moor_Pinot |
Thank you Durham.
Hugely appreciated and gives one a huge lift.
Another seven wins and we'll be safe. Personally I'd be pleased for Wayne altho one appreciates that he's not keen on the job.
I'd add the Kelty Hearts manager to the earlier listing of potentials which we know we won't be allowed to have! We need a 'winner' & he's another one like some of the others mentioned. But for now we'll done the Wayne team! |
Pinault interesting you highlight Kelty Hearts as Kevin Thomson (ex Rangers player) took over from Barry Ferguson (who got them into the league) in May 2021.
Think fair bit of money at Kelty who topped the Lowland League several seasons running but they have a play off system to gain league status.
Also interesting, Bonnyrigg Rose from where John Fowler was signed from in 1955 (and Sean Connery also played for them) are, 10 points clear this season so well on target for the playoffs.
Chairman of Bonnyrigg Rose is my wife's ex husband!
[Post edited 24 Jan 2022 21:35]
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| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 09:39 - Jan 25 with 446 views | Moor_Pinot |
| Will the real Colchester United please stand up after superb win at Moor Lane on 21:27 - Jan 24 by burnsieespana |
Pinault interesting you highlight Kelty Hearts as Kevin Thomson (ex Rangers player) took over from Barry Ferguson (who got them into the league) in May 2021.
Think fair bit of money at Kelty who topped the Lowland League several seasons running but they have a play off system to gain league status.
Also interesting, Bonnyrigg Rose from where John Fowler was signed from in 1955 (and Sean Connery also played for them) are, 10 points clear this season so well on target for the playoffs.
Chairman of Bonnyrigg Rose is my wife's ex husband!
[Post edited 24 Jan 2022 21:35]
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Fascinating coincidence Burnsie!
I'm happy to support the 3 in charge as always even if I'd prefer an experienced or proven manager. That looks unlikely with the way the U's are run. I am happy with several of the names posted but favour young determined proven winners which is why I like the Borehamwood and Bromley blokes and would be interested in the guy at Banbury. Kelty Hearts recent history suggests that their set up is at least worthy of serious consideration. But for now....... I hope we'll get these seven crucial wins. The thought of relegation isn't palatable! | |
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